This incense burner with a tortoise-shaped knob and peony relief, crafted by renowned Japanese Takaoka metalworker Hiroaki Sano, possesses both artistic and collectible value. The incense burner features a three-legged, round-bellied design. The lid has a honeycomb-shaped openwork design, topped with a sculpted tortoise-shaped knob, symbolizing longevity and good fortune. The body is decorated with peony and scrolling foliage reliefs, the lines delicate and the layers rich, showcasing the exquisite craftsmanship of Takaoka bronzes. The bottom is inscribed with the mark "Hiroaki," the artist's own handwriting. This piece measures 16 cm in height, 11 cm in width, and weighs approximately 880 g. The artist, Hiroaki Sano, hails from Takaoka City, Japan. He has been selected for traditional craft exhibitions 15 times, was recognized as a full member of the Japan Crafts Association in 1971, and in 1983, his gold-carved works were even viewed by the Crown Prince and Empress, highlighting his prominent artistic status. Artist: Sano Kosai 佐野宏采 1967: Awarded the Toyama Traditional Crafts Exhibition Branch Award 1968: First selection in the Japan Traditional Crafts Exhibition, subsequently selected 29 times 1970: Selected for the Japan Traditional Crafts Metalwork Exhibition, selected 13 times thereafter 1971: Awarded the Hokuriku Shinbun Award at the Toyama Traditional Crafts Exhibition 1974: Awarded the Japan Crafts Association Prize at the Toyama Traditional Crafts Exhibition 1974: Recognized as a full member of the Japan Crafts Association 1992: Awarded the Yoshiharu Prize at the Japan Traditional Crafts Toyama Exhibition 1997: Commendation from the Takaoka Industrial Promotion Association 2000: Designated as a holder of traditional craft industry technology by Takaoka City 2001: Awarded the Takaoka City Mayor's Prize at the Japan Traditional Crafts Toyama Exhibition 2005: Commendation from the Takaoka Copperware Promotion Cooperative Association 2006: Awarded the Japan Crafts Association Prize at the Toyama Traditional Crafts Exhibition 2009: Awarded the Japan Crafts Association Prize at the Toyama Traditional Crafts Exhibition National Association of Yama, Hoko, and Yatai Preservation Technicians: Designated Member 2010: Commendation for Meritorious Service from Takaoka City 2014: Certified as a traditional craftsman 2014: Commendation from Toyama Prefecture 2018: Conferred with the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette